International students' unforgettable experiences in Da Nang
DNO - International students, who have studied in Da Nang, can enjoy a range of distinct experiences from teaching methods and the academic environment to cultural life and the local people.
After three months of studying at Da Nang University of Economics, the University of Da Nang, three students from the Université Côte d’Azur, France, including Paloma Didier, Claire Teppaz, and Ange Bellaigue, have gradually grown accustomed to Vietnam's pace of life, academic environment, and culture.
For Paloma Didier, the trip to Vietnam serves as an opportunity to experience a different way of life. Meanwhile, Claire Teppaz has chosen this university after learning about the quality of its education, the diversity of its course offerings, and the learning environment it provides for international students.
Ange Bellaigue once considered choosing between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia or Da Nang. However, she has decided to choose Da Nang after receiving positive feedback from French students who had studied at the university before.
It is the distinct approach to learning that left an impression on them. This is from the way Vietnamese students incorporate interactive quizzes and team-based games into their presentations, the structure of class sessions, and the nature of the interaction between lecturers and students.
Studying entirely in English also posed an initial challenge for Ange. However, thanks to the guidance and support of the faculty, Ange felt more confident in communicating after just about two weeks.
Beyond classroom hours, connecting with Vietnamese students helps international students gain a deeper understanding of life in Da Nang.
Through group activities, they have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, share perspectives, and learn about each other’s cultures. Their Vietnamese friends also introduce them to local eateries, helping them explore the local cuisine and adapt to daily life.
Bunyisa Phubuntad, a student from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand, who participated in an exchange program at University of Science and Education - the University of Da Nang, got memorable experiences through activities exploring Vietnamese culture.
Bunyisa said that Vietnamese people's friendliness and hospitality, especially her teachers and classmates of the university, impressed her.
In the early days, despite facing difficulties communicating in Vietnamese, Bunyisa always received dedicated guidance from her lecturers and help from friends.
Also, Bunyisa had the opportunity to participate in activities such as making conical hats, practicing calligraphy, and wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes).
The University of Science and Education, the University of Da Nang, places strong emphasis on integrating academic training with hands-on cultural and linguistic activities.
Each year, international students have the opportunity to take part in field trips to explore historical sites, scenic attractions, and traditional craft villages, including Hoi An Ancient Town, the My Son Sanctuary, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the Marble Mountains.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sang, Deputy Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation at the University of Science and Education, the University of Da Nang, noted that experiential activities help learners improve their Vietnamese language skills, apply their knowledge in practical settings, and gain a deeper understanding of local culture and everyday life.
Since the beginning of 2026, University of Science and Education, the University of Da Nang, has welcomed 704 international learners from 32 countries, an increase of approximately 23.1% compared to 2025.
These learners are enrolled in a variety of programs at undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, as well as Vietnamese language preparatory courses, conversational Vietnamese classes, academic exchange programs and international internships.
The university hopes that each student will become a "cultural ambassador", contributing to the promotion of Da Nang's image through the experiences they gain and the relationships they build during their time studying in the city.
In 2026 alone, Da Nang University of Economics has received 148 international students from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Laos, and other countries to participate in long-term study programs, short-term exchange programs and cultural exchange activities.